'''Guayaquil''' [http://www.visitaguayaquil.com] is the largest city in [[Ecuador]].

'''Guayaquil''' [http://www.visitaguayaquil.com] is the largest city in [[Ecuador]].

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[[File:Guayaquil.JPG|thumb|Add caption here]]

==Understand==

==Understand==

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In 1709, the English captains Woodes Rogers, Etienne Courtney, and William Dampier along with 110 other pirates, looted Guayaquil and demanded ransom; however, they suddenly departed without collecting the ransom after an epidemic of yellow fever broke out.

In 1709, the English captains Woodes Rogers, Etienne Courtney, and William Dampier along with 110 other pirates, looted Guayaquil and demanded ransom; however, they suddenly departed without collecting the ransom after an epidemic of yellow fever broke out.

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In October 9, 1820, almost without bloodshed, a group of civilians supported by soldiers from the "Granaderos de Reserva", a battalion quartered in Guayaquil, overwhelmed the resistance of the Royalist guards and arrested the Spanish authorities. Guayaquil declared independence from Spain, becoming Provincia Libre de Guayaquil. Today Guayaquil is the main port and financial center of Ecuador.

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In October 9, 1820, almost without bloodshed, a group of civilians supported by soldiers from the "Granaderos de Reserva", a battalion quartered in Guayaquil, overwhelmed the resistance of the Royalist guards and arrested the Spanish authorities. Guayaquil declared independence from Spain, becoming Provincia Libre de Guayaquil. Today Guayaquil is the main port and financial center of [[Ecuador]].

==Get in==

==Get in==

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===By plane===

===By plane===

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The new '''José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport''' [[http://www.tagsa.aero]], elected as best South American Airport, is located near the new business district center and is next to the International bus station. In this airport, you can find daily flights to [[New York City|New York]], [[Miami]], [[Houston]], [[Buenos Aires]], [[Caracas]], [[Madrid]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Lima]], [[Bogotá]], [[Panama City]], [[ San Jose]], [[San Salvador]], etc; and a new 4 times a week to [[Cali]] and twice a week to [[Medellín]] Colombia. Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attractions are located, is about $5. Currently there are plans to build a new international airport for about 20 minutes from Guayaquil, near Daular.

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The new '''José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport''' [[http://www.tagsa.aero]], elected as best South American Airport, is located near the new business district center and is next to the International bus station. In this airport, you can find daily flights to [[New York City|New York]], [[Miami]], [[Houston]], [[Buenos Aires]], [[Caracas]], [[Madrid]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Lima]], [[Bogotá]], [[Panama City]], [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]], [[San Salvador]], etc; and a new 4 times a week to [[Cali]] and twice a week to [[Medellín]] [[Colombia]]. Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attractions are located, is about $5. Currently there are plans to build a new international airport for about 20 minutes from Guayaquil, near Daular.

If you are planning to visit the [[Galapagos Islands]], Guayaquil is the cheapest place to take a flight from. There are three air carriers that will take you across the Galapagos Islands as well as the Ecuadorean mainland, LAN-ECUADOR [http://www.lan.com], Aerogal [http://www.aerogal.com.ec] and TAME [http://www.tame.com.ec] have non stop daily flights, departing from Guayaquil is cheaper than leaving from Quito(Is closer and most of the Quito flights do make an stop at Guayaquil's airport for Refueling and picking up passengers.

If you are planning to visit the [[Galapagos Islands]], Guayaquil is the cheapest place to take a flight from. There are three air carriers that will take you across the Galapagos Islands as well as the Ecuadorean mainland, LAN-ECUADOR [http://www.lan.com], Aerogal [http://www.aerogal.com.ec] and TAME [http://www.tame.com.ec] have non stop daily flights, departing from Guayaquil is cheaper than leaving from Quito(Is closer and most of the Quito flights do make an stop at Guayaquil's airport for Refueling and picking up passengers.

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===By bus===

===By bus===

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Cruz del Sur operate international bus services to and from Peru.

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Guayaquíl has direct connections to most Ecuadorian cities and indirect connections all over the country. For schedules and more bus info, see the "Getting Around" section of the [[Ecuador]] country page.

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The city also is served by international buses, to Peru and Colombia. Cruz del Sur operate international bus services to and from Peru.

Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver but don't be alarmed the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.

Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver but don't be alarmed the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.

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Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but still keep an close eye on your belongings. There are frequent connections to almost every destination in [[Ecuador]]. Keep you items close to you during the midnight check points. The police will steal valuables when the men leave the bus to be checked for weapons, this occurs on night busses around Ecuador.

Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but still keep an close eye on your belongings. There are frequent connections to almost every destination in [[Ecuador]]. Keep you items close to you during the midnight check points. The police will steal valuables when the men leave the bus to be checked for weapons, this occurs on night busses around Ecuador.

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===By boat===

===By boat===

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Guayaquil´s port is the biggest in Ecuador. You can travel to Galápagos Islands and other destinations from here.

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Guayaquil´s port is the biggest in [[Ecuador]]. You can travel to [[Galápagos Islands]] and other destinations from here.

==Get around==

==Get around==

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These places are located in the downtown area, near the main hotels and at the heart of the regenerated area, a very secure walk.

These places are located in the downtown area, near the main hotels and at the heart of the regenerated area, a very secure walk.

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* The '''''Malecon Simón Bolivar'''''. It is a long park beside the Rio Guayas ("Guayas River"), with shops, an IMAX theater, gardens, and a beautiful view of both the river and downtown.

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* The '''''Malecon Simón Bolivar'''''. It is a long park beside the [[Rio Guayas]] ("Guayas River"), with shops, an IMAX theater, gardens, and a beautiful view of both the river and downtown.

* The '''"Malecon del Salado"''' located next to the "Estero Salado" (an estuary of sea water), here you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sunsets, with restaurants of typical food, all framed within a very safe new park.

* The '''"Malecon del Salado"''' located next to the "Estero Salado" (an estuary of sea water), here you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sunsets, with restaurants of typical food, all framed within a very safe new park.

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* '''Markets''', you can visit the "Mercado Artesanal", where you can buy some very cheap souvenirs from all regions of Ecuador. Near the Malecon Simón Bolivar.

* '''Markets''', you can visit the "Mercado Artesanal", where you can buy some very cheap souvenirs from all regions of Ecuador. Near the Malecon Simón Bolivar.

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* <see name="Parque Histórico" alt="" address="Avenue Rio Esmer Aldas, Guayaquil, Ecuador" directions="" lat="" long="" phone="" tollfree="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.parquehistorico.gob.ec" hours="" price="no entrance fee (2013)">an interesting recreation of the early 20th century years of Guayaquil, the look, the people and the food. Includes a small zoo, some old town-buildings where moved here as well as a "Hacienda"-Building and a small country-side farm-house. There is also a garden where you can see all kinds of tropical fruits being grown. In case you know coffee only as the black beans, chocolate only as powder and sugar only as a white powder - this is the place to go.</see>

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* <see name="Jardín Botánico" alt="Botanical Garden" address="ciudadela 'las Orquídeas', Av. Francisco De Orellana" directions="in the northern part of the city" lat="" long="" phone="" tollfree="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.orquideasecuador.org/articulos/jbg.html" hours="" price="">In the [http://www.guayas.gob.ec/atractivos-turisticos/jardin-botanico-de-guayaquil-paraiso-de-flora-y-fauna-del-guayas Botanical Garden] you find many tropical plants directly under the blue sky as well as local animals and especially a butterfly "farm".</see>

* The cemetery north from the centre has few impressing graves and statues as well as plenty of more normal graves. Worth a visit if you're into graveyards.

* The cemetery north from the centre has few impressing graves and statues as well as plenty of more normal graves. Worth a visit if you're into graveyards.

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* <see name="Zoológico El Pantanal" alt="" address="Km. 23 Vía a Daule, Guayaquil" directions="" lat="" long="" phone="" tollfree="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.zoologicoelpantanal.com/" hours="" price="">Nice small zoo in the northern part of Guayaquil. Visit, if the kids want to see more animals after having been to "Parque Histórico"</see>

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Other interesting places near Guayaquil:

Other interesting places near Guayaquil:

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* '''"Parque Histórico"''', an interesting recreation of the early 20th century years of Guayaquil, the look, the people and the food. Includes a small zoo.

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* '''"Crucero Discovery"''', rides up and down the Rio Guayas. You can catch it at Malecon Simón Bolivar. Crazy parties at night.

* '''"Crucero Discovery"''', rides up and down the Rio Guayas. You can catch it at Malecon Simón Bolivar. Crazy parties at night.

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==Do==

==Do==

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*<do name="Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco" alt="" address="km.16 vía a la Costa" directions="In front of the Unidad Educativa Cenest Harvard" phone="+593 086225077" url="http://bosquecerroblanco.org/es/" hours="8AM-4PM" price="From $4" lat="" long="">Just on the outskirts of Guayaquil, owned and managed by the NGO Fundación Pro-Bosque, this reserve covers over 6000 hectares of tropical dry forest. It´s open to visits 7 days of the week for guided or shorter self-guided walks to explore the plants and animals that live there. You need to reserve ahead on weekdays. There is also a cabaña you can stay in.</do>

==Learn==

==Learn==

Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil (Municipal Library of Guayaquil) serves as the public library of Guayaquil.

Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil (Municipal Library of Guayaquil) serves as the public library of Guayaquil.

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There are many language schools and some universities. Guayaquil is also home to the only U.S. accredited college in all of South America, Broward College, Ecuador.

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There are many language schools and some universities. Guayaquil is also home to the only U.S. accredited college in all of South America, Broward College, [[Ecuador]].

*<drink name="Bloom Club" alt="" address="Aventura Plaza Local 46" directions="Av. Las Monjas, Urdesa" phone="+593 9 931 5800 (locally dial 099315800)" email="bloom.barlounge@gmail.com" hours="Opens from Thursday to Saturday at 20:00 - 04:00" price="The entrance fee is $20 consumable but if you are an International traveller you can enter for free and pay as you drink showing your passport or International ID. The costs ranges from $3 to $5 a beer, and $6 to $10 a glass of rum, vodka, whisky or a cocktail, or a bottle starting from $75" lat="" long="">It is a mid-size club for 200 people aprox. offering a broad selection of music and drinks, very popular among people from 20 to 40 y.o. The Shopping Center "Aventura Plaza" offers security and has a nice park inside, with a huge Iguana sculpture o it; it features other sport and karaoke bars, small discos and some good restaurants as well, at affordable prices. A parking lot is available at no cost but if you plan to drink, taking a cab is better, and at your departure it is recommended to ask the host to get you a '''secure''' taxi.</drink>

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

The city has hotels for every pocket and decent hotel rooms can be had for around $10 a night.

The city has hotels for every pocket and decent hotel rooms can be had for around $10 a night.

* <sleep name="Hotel Rio" alt="" address="Esq. Boayaca y Victor Manuel Rendon" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="" checkout="08:00" price="From $7 total for a two people shared room, matrimonial bed" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Absolute dump, cheapest place available. Seems good on security, just a few streets away from Boulevard 9 de Octubre and the central plaza. Mostly used by locals for short sexual liasons. No windows, no english, no internet.</sleep>

* '''Iguanazú''' [http://www.iguanazuhostel.com], Ciudadela La Cogra, Manzana 1, Villa 2, off Avenida Julio Arosemena km 3,5. ☎ (04) 220 1143. From busterminal terrestre 5 $ by taxi. Most recommendable. Enjoy lovely views of Guayaquil in one of the hammocks on the large terrace or refresh yourself in the pool. Starting from 15 $ for dorm, private rooms are available up to matrimonial class with own jacuzzi. Breakfast included, free internet access, modern cooking facilities, warm water and towels, friendly staff, nice guesthouse, very clean.

* '''Iguanazú''' [http://www.iguanazuhostel.com], Ciudadela La Cogra, Manzana 1, Villa 2, off Avenida Julio Arosemena km 3,5. ☎ (04) 220 1143. From busterminal terrestre 5 $ by taxi. Most recommendable. Enjoy lovely views of Guayaquil in one of the hammocks on the large terrace or refresh yourself in the pool. Starting from 15 $ for dorm, private rooms are available up to matrimonial class with own jacuzzi. Breakfast included, free internet access, modern cooking facilities, warm water and towels, friendly staff, nice guesthouse, very clean.

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* ''''Manso''' [http://www.manso.ec ], located in the city's centro, right across the street from Malecon 2000, is a budget guesthouse that has full service riverview suites, and more economic rooms with with and withour air conditioner. Also rooms with shared bathroom and dorms @ US$10 per person. Nice deco, beautiful historic landmark building.

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* ''''Manso''' [http://www.manso.ec ], located in the city's centro, right across the street from Malecon 2000, is a budget guesthouse that has full service riverview suites, and more economic rooms with with and withour air conditioner. Also rooms with shared bathroom and dorms with private bath @ US$12 per person. Friendly staff, clean accommodations, wifi, and towel provided. Nice deco, beautiful historic landmark building.

There's been a high increase of crime in Guayaquil in 2009, especially violent crime.

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Guayaquil is well-known as Ecuador's most dangerous and violent city. Always remain aware of your surroundings. Don't pay attention to anyone trying to speak to you on the streets, not even to wealthy-looking people or beggars. Avoid walking alone around the downtown area at night, especially off Avenue 9 de Octubre or well-lit areas. Don't flash money or valuable things in public. Never walk in suspicious areas. Guayaquil is especially dangerous at night, so avoid walking on streets at night.

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Attacks have been reported where someone will distract the target so that the attacker can put a choke hold on the victim from behind and make the victim pass out in order to easily rob the person. It is better to radio taxis instead of hailing one off the street, as there has been many cases of robberies involving taxi cabs in the last year. It is better to avoid wearing jewelry that is expensive or appears to be of high quality.

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Be aware in Plaza Centenario, especially when it is very crowded. The only relative safe areas in downtown Guayaquil are Avenue 9 de Octubre, Malecón 2000, Malecón del Salado, Las Peñas, and Plaza de la Administración. Don't ever cross any other street unless you know where you are.

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The inside of Malecón 2000 is safe during the day and night. There are tons of security guards hanging around during the day. The only drinkable water is bottled water.

Understand

Guayaquil is a sea port, and its personality derives much from that fact. Also, the climate is very hot. These two factors give the city a 'Caribbean' soul, where foreigners are usually well received, tropical music rules and seafood is a must do. An old travel book once counted the attractions in Guayaquil as one :"The Public Cemetery". Not so, anymore; the city has undergone a great change in these last 10 years as a result of great efforts made by the city administrators. Now you can find great parks and green areas all over the city (for example Peñas and the Malecon), and the city has a new look which attracts tourism from inside and outside the country.

History

Guayaquil was founded on July 25, 1538 with the name Muy Noble y Muy Ciudad de Santiago de Guayaquil by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana. Even before it was founded by the Spanish, it already existed as a native village.

In 1600 Guayaquil had a population of about 2,000 people; by 1700 the city had a population of over 10,000.

In 1687, Guayaquil was attacked and looted by English and French pirates under the command of George d'Hout (English) and Picard and Groniet (Frenchmen). Of the more than 260 pirates, 35 died and 46 were wounded; 75 defenders of the city died and more than 100 were wounded. The pirates took local women as concubines. Quito paid the ransom demanded by the pirates with the condition they release the hostages and not burn Guayaquil.

In 1709, the English captains Woodes Rogers, Etienne Courtney, and William Dampier along with 110 other pirates, looted Guayaquil and demanded ransom; however, they suddenly departed without collecting the ransom after an epidemic of yellow fever broke out.

In October 9, 1820, almost without bloodshed, a group of civilians supported by soldiers from the "Granaderos de Reserva", a battalion quartered in Guayaquil, overwhelmed the resistance of the Royalist guards and arrested the Spanish authorities. Guayaquil declared independence from Spain, becoming Provincia Libre de Guayaquil. Today Guayaquil is the main port and financial center of Ecuador.

Get in

By plane

The new José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport [[2]], elected as best South American Airport, is located near the new business district center and is next to the International bus station. In this airport, you can find daily flights to New York, Miami, Houston, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lima, Bogotá, Panama City, San José, San Salvador, etc; and a new 4 times a week to Cali and twice a week to MedellínColombia. Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attractions are located, is about $5. Currently there are plans to build a new international airport for about 20 minutes from Guayaquil, near Daular.

If you are planning to visit the Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil is the cheapest place to take a flight from. There are three air carriers that will take you across the Galapagos Islands as well as the Ecuadorean mainland, LAN-ECUADOR [3], Aerogal [4] and TAME [5] have non stop daily flights, departing from Guayaquil is cheaper than leaving from Quito(Is closer and most of the Quito flights do make an stop at Guayaquil's airport for Refueling and picking up passengers.

International departure airport tax was just recently increased in Guayaquil and is exactly $29.75 (January 2010). About 15$ cheaper than Quito airport.

By car

If you are driving, your horn is your best friend. Be careful, as the city is full of aggressive drivers, but if you are always on the defensive you won't get anywhere. Gas stations are full service.

You can also rent a car cheaply just outside the airport, paying around $35 a day, Carmax is one of the less expensive yet reliable companies available.

By bus

Guayaquíl has direct connections to most Ecuadorian cities and indirect connections all over the country. For schedules and more bus info, see the "Getting Around" section of the Ecuador country page.

The city also is served by international buses, to Peru and Colombia. Cruz del Sur operate international bus services to and from Peru.

Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver but don't be alarmed the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.

Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but still keep an close eye on your belongings. There are frequent connections to almost every destination in Ecuador. Keep you items close to you during the midnight check points. The police will steal valuables when the men leave the bus to be checked for weapons, this occurs on night busses around Ecuador.

By boat

Get around

By Metrovia

Metrovia [6] is a modern bus rapid transit system that runs mostly from north to south and east to west of the city. The fare per ride costs 25 cents (as of April 2010). You can use both cash and an electronic card to pay. It is a realiable and easy-to-navigate transport system; has modern buses and stops. Fortunatelly, it boast a good connection between downtown and to the main bus terminal and the airport. The Rio Daule terminal is located just crossing the street from the main bus terminal and some blocks away (around 15 minutes walking) from the airport. Remember to match the code of the bus (eg. T1, CS, T3, ect) with the station where are you heading to, since not all buses stop at all stations. You can use the map posted at each station for this pourpose. The following stations will drop close by to some tourist attractions: La Catedral, Las Peñas, Jardines del Malecón, Banco Central and Biblioteca Municipal.

By bus

Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver but don't be alarmed the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.

By Taxi

Taxis range from "taxi amigos" (un-marked taxis you call to pick you up) to the standard yellow cabs. Taxi drivers will try to over charge tourists. Nicer taxis are metered by GPS, but the majority of taxis do not have meters. Always agree on a price (or make sure the meter is running) before you get into a cab.

By Car

You can also rent a car at one of the few places to rent just outside the airport. Prices range from $25 and up per day. Anyone with a drivers license from their home country can drive as a tourist in Ecuador. However, if you happen to be involved in a crash the police may take both drivers to jail until they sort everything out and decide what happened. Just take the bus.

See

These places are located in the downtown area, near the main hotels and at the heart of the regenerated area, a very secure walk.

The Malecon Simón Bolivar. It is a long park beside the Rio Guayas ("Guayas River"), with shops, an IMAX theater, gardens, and a beautiful view of both the river and downtown.

The "Malecon del Salado" located next to the "Estero Salado" (an estuary of sea water), here you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sunsets, with restaurants of typical food, all framed within a very safe new park.

The renewed downtown area (Area regenerada), very secure to walk and look around.

Museums (Museo Municipal, Museo Nahim Isaias, MAAC and Presley Northon Museum are located in the center of the downtown)

Santa Ana & El Carmen hills, you can see almost the whole city from here. You can walk up the 400 odd steps to the top from the Malecon Simón Bolivar. There is a lighthouse, museum, small chapel and park at the top. Along the stairs, vendors sell water, ice cream and other snacks.

Las Peñas, where the city was founded, was actually rebuilt and painted bright colors where most of Guayaquil's colonial buildings are.

Parks, we recommend to visit the "Parque de las Iguanas" downtown, which is home to hundreds of tame iguanas, some fish in a pond and a black squirrel or two, and do not forget some turtles.

The Central Bank Building has several giant paintings on the outside of the building.

Markets, you can visit the "Mercado Artesanal", where you can buy some very cheap souvenirs from all regions of Ecuador. Near the Malecon Simón Bolivar.

Parque Histórico, Avenue Rio Esmer Aldas, Guayaquil, Ecuador, [7]. an interesting recreation of the early 20th century years of Guayaquil, the look, the people and the food. Includes a small zoo, some old town-buildings where moved here as well as a "Hacienda"-Building and a small country-side farm-house. There is also a garden where you can see all kinds of tropical fruits being grown. In case you know coffee only as the black beans, chocolate only as powder and sugar only as a white powder - this is the place to go.no entrance fee (2013).

Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), ciudadela 'las Orquídeas', Av. Francisco De Orellana (in the northern part of the city), [8]. In the Botanical Garden you find many tropical plants directly under the blue sky as well as local animals and especially a butterfly "farm".

The cemetery north from the centre has few impressing graves and statues as well as plenty of more normal graves. Worth a visit if you're into graveyards.

Zoológico El Pantanal, Km. 23 Vía a Daule, Guayaquil, [9]. Nice small zoo in the northern part of Guayaquil. Visit, if the kids want to see more animals after having been to "Parque Histórico"

Other interesting places near Guayaquil:

"Crucero Discovery", rides up and down the Rio Guayas. You can catch it at Malecon Simón Bolivar. Crazy parties at night.

Traditionally, Salinas has been the main beach, but since 2008 General Villamil Playas has attracted a big part of the local and international tourism. Fishing, surfing, and other water sports. Many modern hotels and delicious sea food. Interesting night life. Wonderful whalewatching during June to September.

The following places are interesting to see if you are daring:

6 de Marzo is an interesting street to visit about 10 blocks from the downtown area during the week before New Year's Eve, because the street is lined with "Años Viejos" or old years, paper maché figures ranging in size from about 12 inches up to 10 or more feet tall. These are often political, movie or cartoon characters.

La Bahía, just off the southern end of the Malecon Simón Bolivar. Huge market area full of shops and stalls of almost anything imaginable. Because it is so cheap you will have lower social class people and have to be a little careful with belongings.

Cocoa or Banana plantations are located around Guayaquil city.

Do

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, km.16 vía a la Costa (In front of the Unidad Educativa Cenest Harvard), ☎+593 086225077, [10]. 8AM-4PM. Just on the outskirts of Guayaquil, owned and managed by the NGO Fundación Pro-Bosque, this reserve covers over 6000 hectares of tropical dry forest. It´s open to visits 7 days of the week for guided or shorter self-guided walks to explore the plants and animals that live there. You need to reserve ahead on weekdays. There is also a cabaña you can stay in.From $4.

Learn

Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil (Municipal Library of Guayaquil) serves as the public library of Guayaquil.

There are many language schools and some universities. Guayaquil is also home to the only U.S. accredited college in all of South America, Broward College, Ecuador.

Work

Lots of English speakers work at English academies or schools teaching English. Legally, they should have some kind of visa that permits them to work, but some schools don't pay much attention to the legal status of the teachers. Wages are not up to U.S. standards and hours can be rough (mornings, evening and Saturdays), but a passable living is possible.
Indeed, some people come to Ecuador to work specifically because the economy is dollarized.

Buy

There are about 20 malls in the city. A nice place to buy is Via Samborondon.

Mall del Sol

Mall del Sur

Riocentro Norte

City Mall

Riocentro Los Ceibos

Riocentro Sur

Riocentro Entrerríos

San Marino

Alban Borja

Garzocentro

Policentro

A new mall recently built, Village Plaza, near Riocentro Entrerríos.

Besides that, there are several popular spots like

Mercados Artesanal

La Bahia

Eat

There are many typical dishes to try from such as encebollado, seco de pollo, ceviche, and caldo de salchicha.

There are also many international fast food chains throughout the city such as:

Burger King

Kentucky Fried Chicken

McDonald's

Taco Bell

Pollo Tropical

Parrillada del Ñato; foods such over cooked pizza, grilled meat,and more are served.

Chinese restaurants (Chifas) are found throughout the city, and their food is very good.

'El Patacón' restaurant in Urdesa serves typical dishes, mostly based on verde (green bananas also known as 'Plátano Macho' on Central America).

Vegetarian food is not very common in Guayaquil, but there is a guesthouse in the Centro called Manso that serves quinoa and lentil hamburguers and other dishes that combine Ecuadorian ingredients in fast food format for veggies.

Budget

There is a lot of great cuisine in Guayaquil's centre. If you are more daring, you can go to this downtown area, near 9 de octubre avenue, there are chinese restaurants called "chifas" and typical restaurants where you can eat the seco de pollo, caldo de salchicha, etc.

Mid-range

Lo Nuestro has a good variety of typical dishes.

You can also go to a restaurant where the best 'encebollado' is sold. The place is called "Encebollado cordero". it is located near the IESS.

Splurge

Samborondon is located at the northeast of the city. There are a lot of restaurants with a great variety of food. Here you can find japanese, italian, american, and typical food, too.

Taberna Libanesa is an excellent place, located just behind the Supermaxi, Via Samborondon. Cozy and elegant, with excellent Lebanese food. They serve lunch and dinner and have a few tables on the veranda of this upscale shopping center.

There is another place called Urdesa. In the Victor Emilio Estrada you can found a great variety of good food and also a nice place to visit.

Kosher food its available for delivery call 0993256499

Drink

Great nightlife, you can go to 5 or more discos in one night, and don't need to travel much.
The usual price for entering is $10-$15 consumable, depending on where you go.
Usually the parties there last to 4 am. but you can always find something else to do in this city.
Visit the "Zona Rosa", located at the secure regenerated area, with several options of night life.
Several brands of beer are available.

Bloom Club, Aventura Plaza Local 46 (Av. Las Monjas, Urdesa), ☎+593 9 931 5800 (locally dial 099315800) (bloom.barlounge@gmail.com). Opens from Thursday to Saturday at 20:00 - 04:00. It is a mid-size club for 200 people aprox. offering a broad selection of music and drinks, very popular among people from 20 to 40 y.o. The Shopping Center "Aventura Plaza" offers security and has a nice park inside, with a huge Iguana sculpture o it; it features other sport and karaoke bars, small discos and some good restaurants as well, at affordable prices. A parking lot is available at no cost but if you plan to drink, taking a cab is better, and at your departure it is recommended to ask the host to get you a secure taxi.The entrance fee is $20 consumable but if you are an International traveller you can enter for free and pay as you drink showing your passport or International ID. The costs ranges from $3 to $5 a beer, and $6 to $10 a glass of rum, vodka, whisky or a cocktail, or a bottle starting from $75.

Sleep

The city has hotels for every pocket and decent hotel rooms can be had for around $10 a night.

Budget

Nucapacha Hostel, Urdesa Central. Balsamos Sur #308 (at Los Todos Santos), ☎593.4.2610553, [11]. checkout: 13:00. Clean hostel with breakfast, WiFi, and a large pool included in price. The pool is cleaned every 10 days or so. WiFi usually works (drops when the hostel phone rings). Plenty of private rooms and spacious dormitories. Kitchen is stocked pretty well. The included breakfast is 1 scrambled egg, 2 slices of toast, jam, butter, coffee, and fresh juice. Staff is nice. Shared bathrooms are cleaned well daily.$11 dorm bed.

Hotel Rio, Esq. Boayaca y Victor Manuel Rendon. checkout: 08:00. Absolute dump, cheapest place available. Seems good on security, just a few streets away from Boulevard 9 de Octubre and the central plaza. Mostly used by locals for short sexual liasons. No windows, no english, no internet.From $7 total for a two people shared room, matrimonial bed.

Hotel Sander, Luque 1101 (Very close to the Parque de Centennario), ☎+593 04 2320030, [14]. checkout: 13.00. Simple and clean place just a few blocks from the center of town. Rooms have TVs, fans and towels. From $9.

Iguanazú[17], Ciudadela La Cogra, Manzana 1, Villa 2, off Avenida Julio Arosemena km 3,5. ☎ (04) 220 1143. From busterminal terrestre 5 $ by taxi. Most recommendable. Enjoy lovely views of Guayaquil in one of the hammocks on the large terrace or refresh yourself in the pool. Starting from 15 $ for dorm, private rooms are available up to matrimonial class with own jacuzzi. Breakfast included, free internet access, modern cooking facilities, warm water and towels, friendly staff, nice guesthouse, very clean.

'Manso[18], located in the city's centro, right across the street from Malecon 2000, is a budget guesthouse that has full service riverview suites, and more economic rooms with with and withour air conditioner. Also rooms with shared bathroom and dorms with private bath @ US$12 per person. Friendly staff, clean accommodations, wifi, and towel provided. Nice deco, beautiful historic landmark building.

Hampton Inn Hotels - 4 stars hotel located at the main street on 9 of Octubre Avenue

Unipark Hotels - 4 start hotels inside the Unicentro's mall

Northern suburbs

DreamKapture hostal ([21]), Alborada 12 Av. Etapa, Mz-02 Villa 21. A friendly hostel with a nice outside area. They offer a book exchange and the accommodation comes with a delicious breakfast. Prices are on roombasis, but if it's possible you can share it with other people. A dorm 10$ with Breakfast. A single room with private bathroom and with air conditioner $20, without a/c $18, breakfast included. They can pick you up from the airport and it will cost $10. 3$ taxi to Malecon or .25 cents bus drive. Close to Airport and Bus terminal. However, be forewarned. DreamKapture does not allow Ecuadorians to stay on the premises. If you are traveling with an Ecuadorian, you'd best look elsewhere.

Ecuahogar, Av. Isidro Ayora ( Sauces Uno * Mz F-31 * Solar 20 ), 2245357 (2248241, 2273288, fax 2248357, email youthostal@telconet.net ). Basic, but expensive rooms with a ventilator and television. Bathrooms are shared. Two bread rolls with marmalade and a coffee for breakfast is included in the price. A night in a single room costs $12. It is far from the attractions area but near the airport and the national bus station (Terminal Terrestre).

Contact

There are cyber cafes around to communicate with distant friends and relatives. These often have telephone booths for making (VoIP) phone calls. Some malls (Mall del Sol, Riocentro Los Ceibos) even offer free
Wi-Fi in the food courts, in addition to free entertainment. Buy $30 worth of groceries at Mi Comisariato and get a two for one coupon to the movies. A single weekday ticket is $2.80 as of 3 January 2007.

Get out

Piedra Blanca is just three hours away, where one can take rainforest tours, rafting expeditions and visit local fascinating cultural sites.

Other places that you can visit are the beaches at Playas which is about 90 minutes away, and the more popular Salinas beach which is about two hours away up the Via la Costa.

Quito is about a seven hour drive (less than an hour flight also for about $125 round trip -September 2009-)

Cuenca is about a four hour drive (half-hour flight for about $120 round trip -September 2009-) through beautiful and interesting scenery, including a mangrove preserve, cocoa and banana plantations, cloud forests and mountains.

Not to far out, perhaps 30-50 minutes, there is a beautiful cocoa plantation where they also make chocolate. The owners entertain tour groups by serving cocoa juice and plantain snacks before you are taken on a tour of the cocoa plantation right up to the final chocolate tasting. You are then entertained with a delicious local lunch. Absolutely fabulous! It is past the orchids farm on the same road. The cost is $110 per person when booked via tour operator Canodos. The tour operator is essential if you don't speak Spanish.

International Buses

There are several bus companies that cross the border for to Peru are available from Guayaquil. Most services stops close to the main cities along the Panamericana motorway; such as Machala, Tumbes, Máncora, Piura and all the way to Lima.

CIFA[22]: They have a stand inside the main terminal, within the international section. Usually this is the company that provide the cheapest services and a popular choice among backpackers. They have several departure times a day and different services. Procure the direct services that goes to your desired destination, since some services do stop a lot along the way. Their buses might have somewhat low cleaning standards.

Ormeño[23]: Buses leave daily around 11:00 a.m. close to the main bus terminal, where their office is located. Just go to the terminal, ask for the office of Ormeño and walk 5 minutes outside the terminal. Ormeño has been in business for several years. Unfortunately, the buses where never renewed and are known for bad services, so air conditioning might not work. In case one should have problems at the Peruvian boarder, the bus drivers might not wait until the formalities are done.

Ecuatoriano Pullman[24]: Departs everyday at 11 PM from the main station, where their stand is also located at the international section.

Nevertheless, other companies like Ruta De America and Caracol can be valuable alternatives. Routa de America goes from Guayaquil to Lima every Sunday. Call their office in Quito for more information.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!